What are Transvaginal Mesh Patches?

Transvaginal mesh patches have been employed by physicians for decades to treat internal physical problems common to women as they age. They were initially used to treat urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse that develops as the abdominal muscles weaken due to age and the bladder, uterus and other organs descend toward the vagina. This usually requires surgery in which surgical mesh is used to protect, repair and support these areas.

These products have a very plaid history and recalls, health advisories and directives for warning label changes from FDA and a wave of lawsuits were filed by women who have suffered serious difficulties and illness because of substandard products, some of which are alleged to have had questionable research and testing conducted before they were allowed as implants. Some of the most common complaints are:

Intolerable Pain in the abdominal or vaginal areas

Severe infections

Return of urinary incontinence

Abscess

Fistulae

Erosion of the mesh

Movement of the mesh into other nearby organs

Difficulty or unbearable pain during sexual intercourse to the woman or her partner

Inability to void (urinate)

Reconstruction of the pelvis surgery due to mesh-related injuries

Return of pelvic organ prolapse

The implication of these problems on a couple’s relationship can be calamitous. Spousal claims and loss of consortium are routine in transvaginal mesh patch lawsuits. The manufacturers that have been named in transvaginal mesh lawsuits are Bard, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, Bard, Boston Scientific, Gynecare, Gynemesh, Avaulta, Ethicon, Secure and Prolene. Hundreds of these lawsuits have been filed across the country as individual lawsuits.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also brought about an alert in which the doctors, surgeons and patients are warned about possible problems which are associated with the transvaginal mesh patch when they are used for POP and SUI. The US FDA had got more than a million reports by then in regard with the manufacturers of transvaginal mesh patches.

The legal and the governing bodies also have recommended that physicians should be receiving special training for placing mesh patches. They must be attentive and be known of the risks and harms; they should observe carefully for any difficulties that the patients suffer from. Moreover the patients must be kept informed about the chances of severe complications, The patients must also be explained that they might need more surgery if at all the complications develop and if possible the patients must be provided with a written copy of the patient labeling got from the manufacturer.